I have never watched this movie, but I keep hearing how great of a movie it is. Movies like that really don't catch my attention. All I know is that it's about a porno star, which I never even thought to watch a movie like that. You know when you become a mother it's just a natural instinct to be cautious about everything. Since I've never seen the movie and probably won't. I just wanted some insight on the movie.

I understand your angst, but you need to realize that those of us who support Mark Wahlberg's career in acting, have watched this film mainly for his performance.
The movie itself is supposed to be humerous, but I actually did not find it very funny. It has several things in it that seem to be a rather sad commentary on what human beings can get themselves involved in, and from that standpoint, it is very thought- provolking.

It is basically the story of one person's rise, fall and so-called redemption in his chosen field of pornography. This film is not meant, in my opinion, to send any moral messages, except those you find for yourself.
It is a film for "mature audiances". If I had children, they would not see it until at least age 15, and then with my supervision.

This is not to say that I did not enjoy the film. I did! It was a real "eye-opener" in many respects, and I learned something from it. I know that many people would find it to be "trashy" perhaps. It is not everyone's cup of tea. You have to be open- minded just to watch it. If you are shocked or embarrassed easily, this film is not for you! (There is plenty of nudity and language, and some violence.)

If you take the film for what it is worth, i.e., that it is about a sleezy business, you are more prepared for things that go on in the plot. (Actually there is a main plot, with several subplots.) Even if you are not a fan of pornography, this film shows you why some people get into it, and clues you in as to their frame of mind. It reminds you that not everyone is raised in a loving home, or goes to church, or has a positive support system.

Unless you are a fan of Mark, you probably wouldn't find this film very appealing. But I have to tell you that Mark's performance is excellent. His character is unforgetable!
I would recommend it to folks who want to see the progression of his talent as an actor, or to those who just find him attractive.

This is as unbiased a point of view as I can give you, due to the fact that I'm a major fan of the man, and I see every film he does! I hope this has helped answer your concerns. By the way, if I recall, it runs from 2 to 2-1/2 hours in length.

ok well I really liked this movie! I feel Mark did a really really good job in it! his best performance yet if ya ask me but I havent seen 3 kings and I hear he's good in that too. well the first time I saw this movie I didnt really find the humor in it but the second time I saw it I picked it up and thought it was actually a pretty funny movie!~ even though its not really suppose to be. and no Im not a sicko person who likes to watch porn! *lol* I just really liked the movie~its not porn its a film ABOUT the porn INDUSTRY (I try and try to tell my friends this but they just dont get it....they tell me "nope its porn end of story your weird goodbye" LOL) welp anyway I'm babbling~so I better go! just wanted to say I like the movie and I recomend it to anyone older enough to handle it and you can just fast foward through the naughty parts....but you can stop when they show his bum! hehe

I liked "Boogie Nights". In a nutshell it is about a "family" of sorts, an innocent, young guy wanting desparately to be someone, his rise and fall and rise again (quit smirking Annie!) I loved Mark Wahlberg in this movie...what a fearless actor he is. His character actually brought me to tears and I found myself feeling compassion for some of the other tragic characters in the movie. Also the soundtrack is awesome!

Yeah, Yulinka has this same problem. I don't know either.
A pal of mine just sent me the version of the film which has like 9 extra scenes in it.
I have not watched it yet, but will try this weekend. (I also have the "original" version.-- I don't know which really is the original; I guess the extra scenes one is.)
Anyhoo, I'll post if the extra scenes are anything really funny, interesting or integral to the plot.
This film was labeled as a black comedy, but I did not find it all that comedic myself. A few funny bits, but mostly, pretty tragic.
But still worth watching, IMHO!

Clare--- Well, with Mark in the role, did you expect anything else?! (I guess the South aint the only Thing that shall Rise Again! HA!)

I watched this film again this afternoon. A pal of mine sent me a second copy, which is supposed to have 9 added scenes. So I watched very carefully, and I could not find them! The film he sent me was the same as t he one I bought earlier (pre-recorded).
Either I already had the enhanced version, or I'm blinder than I thought!! Are there really 2 versions?

Annie-
I saw one at a video store that said on the cover '20 min of new scened added'(or something like that, i'm not really sure) as a bonus. and I saw another copy of boogie nights that was widescreen and a collector's edition...so maybe there was more scenes on that? I'm not really sure, but maybe someone has either one of those tapes so they could tell you.

The second copy I have is letterbox (widescreen). I just can't figure out what the "new" scenes are. You would think it would be easy to tell. (???)
Oh well, watching MW again wasn't too hard!!
I did wonder why -- well, in the 70s, this film would have been rated X, b/c of the scene where roller girl first takes off all her clothes and jumps Eddie/Dirk. They show her totally nude from the front, and I can remember when that was only in X films. It also made me wonder...I mean, if he did not get a hard-on from a cute naked girl jumping him like that... LOL!!

Wow, I never even noticed that!! And I just watched the movie a couple days ago!! I'm just going to have to pay attention to every little detail FROM NOW ON!! heehee!! (or is that every BIG detail?) lol!

Hey, Clare, remember in the original movie about Frankenstien, how when the Monster is awakening, the Dr. goes,"IT'S ALIVE! IT'S ALIVE!" I wonder, if Dirk had had a girlfriend on the side, if she would have said that, too...! Or if Eddie Adams' old girlfriend ever said that!! HAHAHAHA!!!

I don't know if anyone is even going to read this. But pertaining to the extra scenes, they're at the end of the movie. I thought that they might have been integrated into the movie itself, but they all just run one after the other. You can tell where in the movie they belong, though.And as far as the content of the movie goes, it's not any worse than any other 'R' rated movie. The story is about a young man with an alcoholic mother and an co-dependent father. He's not very intelligent, but he is sweet and has hopes and dreams of being a star. He does have a large p*nis and knows what to do with it, however. So when the opportunity arises(excuse the pun) for him to put his talent to good use, he does. And his co-stars become like his mother, father, brothers and sisters. Just give it a chance. The movie is wonderfully well-made. Take care. Ciao!